New Paltz police charge two teens in thefts from unlocked vehicles

NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- Town police arrested two teenagers Friday on charges they stole items from unlocked vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods along state Route 32 in the town of New Paltz.

Michael S. O'Connor, 17, of Cornwall, and James J. Vacanti, 16, of Gardiner, were arrested by New Paltz police.

O'Connor was charged with one count of criminal possession of a firearm and one count of grand larceny, both felonies, and one count of petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Vacanti was also charged with one count of grand larceny and one count of criminal possession of stolen property, both felonies, and one count of petit larceny and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property, both misdemeanors.

Police said they were notified of the thefts Tuesday morning. They said a laptop computer and loaded handgun were among the items stolen.

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An investigation led police to O'Connor and Vacanti, who were found with property believed to have been stolen. Police said they confirmed that some of the items the boys were found with had been reported stolen.

The teens were brought back to New Paltz police headquarters, where they were interviewed and made statements that led to the recovery of the stolen gun, police said.

Following arraignment, the teens were sent to the Ulster County Jail. O'Connor was being held on $2,500 bail and Vacanti Jr on $500 bail.

Police said at least one item stolen was from a home on Route 32 South in Modena and they've asked residents in that area to report any missing property to authorities.

Police are also reminding residents to lock their cars and homes to deter theft.